WAD MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION ADVISORY, 2016
Great meeting of the secretaries of the ministerial association at the headquarters of the west-central Africa division, Abidjan.
The secretary of the Ministerial Association held his advisory in collaboration with his associates from the unions and conferences of the Division and the guests’ speakers who came from the General Conference. Were also invited, thee retirees and two widows. The theme of this meeting carefully selected was: Total Ministerial Family Involvement.
The last week of August has been a rewarding week full of blessings for the Secretaries of the Ministerial Association. In fact from the 22 – 26, 2016 at the headquarters of the Division located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the ministerial association secretary with the shepherdess coordinator organized together their advisory. The aim of this gathering was to train and inform all leaders of unions on the objectives set up by the General Conference for this quinquenium, and give them new orientations for an effective ministry. Besides this, it was also important to understand the emphases place on the slogan: ‘’Reach the World” with three sections; i) connecting continually to our Lord since He is our only strength and power, ii) building relationships and unity in Jesus, iii) working together to finish the gospel commission by sharing the Three Angels Messages with everyone in this world. Thus, the participants defined six main priorities: A revival and reformation of true godliness among us (2Chron.7:14), total member involvement through spiritual gifts (Eph4:11-13), mission in the cities (Luke19:10), comprehensive health ministries (Matt.9:35, 36), how to reach out the 10/40 window populations, church planting and Adventist education (Prov.22:6).
This ministerial association meeting was held together with that of the shepherdess. During four days, the delegates were trained on how to be effective in their various unions’ fields. They also presented their reports and made known their challenges to their leaders. Through groups’ discussion, participants debated on issues related to pastors’ treatments, both in function and retired and even that of widows.
Were present in this advisory, Pastor and Mrs. Jerry Page, Pastor Anthony Kent, Pastor Jonas Arris and Pastor Jeffrey O. Brown all from the General Conference. Besides these officials we had also representatives of our institutions like Babcock University, Valley View University, University of Cosendai…), representatives of Côte d’Ivoire Conference and of course Pastor and Mrs. Opoku main organizers of the advisory. The division was also represented by its officials and the departmental directors.
It was with emotion that all listened to the testimony of sister Doris Bobie, wife of late Pastor Bobie who died accidentally while on his way home from Babcock University where he went for further studies.
By Nestor BOLLET